Alcobev body appoints Anant Iyer as director general

Alcoholic beverages industry body Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) has announced Anant S Iyer as its new director general.

The CIABC represents more than 20 domestic liquor manufacturers, which include ABD Ltd, Radico Khaitan, Jagatjit Industries, Mohan Meakin, Khemani Distilleries, Globus Spirits and Sula Vineyards.

Prior to his current role, Iyer was chief operating officer of Alcobrew, where he was responsible for the company's overall business operations which included sales and marketing and supply chain management, among other roles, a statement by the industry body said. He was previously chief operating officer of Jagatjit Industries, and also held leadership roles at United Spirits, the statement added.


The move comes at a time when the government is planning to clamp down on all surrogate advertisements for alcoholic beverages, including event sponsorships, according to a report by Reuters. This sweeping ban, if implemented, will impact all alcohol beverages companies, both domestic and global ones which operate in India through their subsidiaries and make use of surrogate platforms such as water, playing cards, and music fests to advertise their brands.

According to the Reuters report, the consumer affairs ministry may impose fines on businesses as well as ban celebrities who endorse such “deceptive tobacco and alcohol advertisements.” The report added that final rules were expected to be issued within a month.